Clients Transitioning out of Early Start Receive Proper Notices of Action

Stories

Clients Transitioning out of Early Start Receive Proper Notices of Action

Chin-Hae received Early Start services from the regional center before age three. When he turned three, his parents received a letter from the regional center telling them that he had aged out of Early Start and was not eligible for services under the Lanterman Act. They did not receive information about their right to appeal, such as the deadline to appeal, where to find advocacy assistance, or the appeal form. OCRA discovered that many other Early Start consumers also did not receive appeal information when they were found not to be eligible for services under the Lanterman Act. OCRA worked with the regional center staff who serve Early Start clients to ensure that they were aware of the requirements for a proper notice of action under the Lanterman Act. The regional center agreed to send complete notices of action to all children in the Early Start program when they turn three and are found not to be eligible for services under the Lanterman Act. Chin-Hae’s family received a proper notice that informed them of their appeal rights and the reason for the denial. Other children will receive such notices in the future, ensuring that their families are aware of their right to appeal.